Dave Lombardo

The Profile

Dave Lombardo is a Cuban-American drummer best known as a founding member of Slayer. Celebrated for blistering double-bass technique, he’s also explored experimental music with projects like Fantômas, Grip Inc., Dead Cross, and more. In 2023 he released his first solo album, Rites of Percussion.

Co-founder and former drummer of Slayer; widely cited for pioneering double-bass drumming in thrash metal. Active since the early 1980s and noted for collaborations with Fantômas, Grip Inc., Mr. Bungle, Dead Cross, Suicidal Tendencies, Testament, and John Zorn. Released the solo album Rites of Percussion in 2023.

A highly positive look at Dave Lombardo’s solo debut Rites of Percussion, praising its refined, soundtrack-ready percussive focus over sheer speed. The review highlights Lombardo’s Slayer legacy, double-bass mastery, and broad collaborations (Fantomas, Mr. Bungle, Dead Cross, Testament, Suicidal Tendencies, John Zorn). Recorded during the 2020–2021 pandemic at home, the album layers piano, congas, bongos, and more into elegant polyrhythms. Best heard as a concise whole.